9,000 SSP, the price that stood between Nyayiik and her dream. Not anymore

Nyayiik 17-years-old, in Primary Eight in Melut County dreams to be an engineer one day. But for a long time, one number got in her way, 9,000 SSP ($2). That's what a packet of sanitary pads costs and for some months, her family just didn't have it.

“Missing school is a luxury for a girl with dreams,” Nyayiik says. 

For her, missing class was never a break. It was a setback, one more day further from the future she's picturing for herself.

That worry is gone now. Now Nyayiik receives a package that lasts her twelve months including reuseable sanitary towels, soap, and underwear along with school supplies, all provided by World Vision’s Enabling Meaningful Participation of Women and Girls for Essential Rights (EMPOWER) Project with funding from Irish Aid.

“At least my mother can save 9,000 every month,” she says, and you can hear the relief in it.

Nyayiik isn't alone. Across five schools in Melut County, 100 girls are getting the same support. You can see the difference in the attendance registers girls like Nyayiik just showing up, week after week, no longer forced to choose between their dignity and their education.

“Missing school due to lack of sanitary pads is a common practice here, so these dignity kits mean a lot to supporting the girl’s education. It gives them the confidence to attend school every day and keep dreaming,” adds Abraham Chol Project Coordinator

Story and photos by Scovia Charles, Communications Officer/World Vision South Sudan